Having a Jam

 No not that sweet stuff we often lather on a good piece of toast. This week we have been having the other kind of jam in Autahi. That's right, the musical kind.

In preparation for our Arts Celebration performance we have been practicing playing instruments together to create some soundscapes for our story. While we learn to play together to create something, we are also learning the benefits of playing music together.

What benefits you ask? How about studies showing that playing music together enhances pathways that create positive emotions. It is also linked to a release of endorphins that produce that feel good feeling.

 But more than that, new studies also show that creating music together also works on building pathways tied to working positively as a group. Working together to create and maintain a rhythm helps us build our synchronicity with others, helping us develop neural pathways we use to successfully function as a group. 

This shows us that music has in important place in augmenting our social relationships and building up positive emotions. In short, jamming makes us feel good and feel good about working with others. 

My challenge to you all is to find a little time to jam with your friends and family. Whether it's making music or just enjoying it together, there is always space for a little more jamming in our lives.